PS401 Abnormal Psychology

for S2FF 2005

The mission of Park University, an entrepreneurial institution of learning, is to provide access to academic excellence, which will prepare learners to think critically, communicate effectively and engage in lifelong learning while serving a global community.

VISION STATEMENT

Park University will be a renowned international leader in providing innovative educational opportunities for learners within the global society.

PS401 Abnormal psychology

COURSE DESCRIPTOR: An introduction and investigation of the causes, development, symptomatology, and treatment of abnormal behavior. Primary focus is an eclectic view of persons and their adaptation to their environment. (3 Credits Prerequisite PS101)

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: No academic discipline is inherently difficult. Difficulty is generally the result of inappropriate teaching methods. Teaching should be student centered with timely constructive feedback. The instruction must be at a level of difficulty that requires the student to exert both effort and seek guidance for successful completion.

A. The student will display knowledge of current theories and models of abnormality by satisfactorily completing course tests.

B. Each student will demonstrate the ability to analyze and expound on a related topic via a course paper written to acceptable A.P.A. standards.

C. All students must show the ability to draw conclusions and show analytic reasoning on selected test items and in class discussions.

COURSE ASSESSMENT: Student exercises to develop an awareness and understanding of various behaviors and symptoms, exams to measure knowledge levels, and a course paper to determine the ability to analyze and critique specific issues of psychopathology.

GRADING PLAN: Each quiz is worth 10% of course points. Mid-Term and Final Exam are worth 25% each and the Course Paper is worth 30%. Course grade will be determined by a cumulative curve. Late work may be accepted only with prior approval.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic Honesty is required of all members of a learning community. Hence, Park will not tolerate cheating or plagiarism on tests, examinations, papers, or other course assignments. Learners who engage in such dishonesty may be given failing grades or expelled from Park.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism – the appropriation or imitation of the language or ideas of another person and presenting them as one’s original work – sometimes occurs through carelessness or ignorance. Learners who are uncertain about proper documentation of sources should consult their facilitator.

DISABILITY GUIDELINES: Park University is committed to meeting the needs of all students that meet the criteria for special assistance. These guidelines are designed to supply directions to students concerning information necessary to accomplish this goal. It is Park University's policy to comply fully with federal and state law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disability Act of 1990, regarding students with disabilities and, to the extent of any inconsistency between these guidelines and federal and/or state law, the provisions of the law will apply. Additional information concerning Park University's policies and procedures related to disability can be found on the Park University web page: http://www.park.edu/disability.

ATTENDANCE: Instructors are required to keep attendance records and report absences. The instructor may excuse absences for cogent reasons, but missed work must be made up withinthe term of enrollment. Work missed through unexcused absences must also be made up within the term of enrollment, but unexcused absences may carry further penalties. In the event of two consecutive weeks of absences in a term of enrollment, the studentwill be administratively withdrawn, resulting in a grade of "F". An Incomplete will not be issued to a student who has unexcused or excessive absences recorded for the course. Students receiving Military Tuition Assistance (TA) of Veterans Administration (VA) educational benefits must not exceed three unexcused absences in the term of enrollment. Excessive absences will be reported to the appropriate agency and may result in a monetary penalty to the student. Reports of "F" grades (attendance or academic) resulting from excessive absences for students receiving financial assistance from agencies not mentioned above will be reported to the appropriate agency.